Not only will it be interesting to see how the Pittsburgh Steelers situate the 53-man roster, but it could have different outcomes depending on what other teams do. With countless players becoming available from around the league, don't be surprised if the Steelers target some outside options to help boost positions of weakness.
There could be several areas on the roster that could be filled with another team's roster cut candidate.
For one reason or another, a specific player might no longer fit on their current team. That could open the door for Pittsburgh to consider adding them after their initial roster is set. Just because someone makes their first version of the roster doesn't mean they won't claim someone on waivers or sign a free agent. This club has needs to fill before the regular season, and they should add some pieces.
Pittsburgh Steelers could consider outside roster cut canidates to help boost their team
Carson Steele, RB/FB, Philadelphia Eagles
Do the Steelers need another fullback? No. Do they need another versatile piece who can contribute to multiple jobs? Yes. Carson Steele is in a loaded running back group with the Eagles and showed this preseason that he can be a solid depth piece at the position. Steele is someone who has also shown he can be an effective special teamer. Pittsburgh could use some Steele on their roster.
Damar Hamlin, S, Buffalo Bills
He is from Pittsburgh and just picked off Will Howard in the final preseason game. Damar Hamlin could stick around in Buffalo, but if he doesn't, he could fill one of the Steelers' most pressing needs. Adding another experienced safety to the team should be a priority.
Hamlin is someone who has popped up in speculation around the Steelers throughout his career, but this year could be the time when he signs as a free agent.
Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Dallas Cowboys
You cannot deny the connections that Mike McCarthy still has with some former players, and Luke Schoonmaker could be one of them. McCarthy was the head coach of the Cowboys when they drafted Schoonmaker in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. So far, the tight end hasn't been able to live up to his billing, but McCarthy could give him a new life with the Steelers organization.
Junior Colson, LB, Los Angeles Chargers
After some injuries and inconsistencies, Junior Colson remains a roster cut candidate for the Chargers. He was a third-round pick for the team only a couple of years ago. Another interesting note is that the Steelers had Colson in for a pre-draft visit during the 2024 draft process. Pittsburgh's interest in Colson coming out of Michigan could lead to them taking a gamble on him now.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Denver Broncos
A lot of this will depend on whether the Steelers decide to make Kaleb Johnson a part of roster cuts or not. If they do pull the trigger and let him go, they should be searching for alternate depth options at the running back position. Jaleel McLaughlin is someone listed as a roster cut candidate in Denver who would make sense. McLaughlin would be a tremendous fit and has plenty of experience.
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